Digital George Stow

Image: STOW_021

Institution : Iziko (no number assigned)Size : 1010mmx676mmDescription : Twenty-nine figures of mixed description. Those at the bottom left are in a circular, seated or crouching formation and five wear karosses or cloaks and some wear headdresses; one has an outstretched leg. There are six antelope; the one in the top left bears multiple markings and has feather-like shapes adhering to/emerging from it. The figures are all engaged in activities: the top central three lean forward and have breasts and spots on their bodies. The central group stand and most have one leg raised as if hopping; they brandish thongs or sticks and are of mixed description. The far bottom right group carry bows and arrows, and the group to the left of them (one of which appears to be female) are arranged around. A long stick and two of the figures in the group sit back to back. Some of these figures hold long and short stick-like objects. "Rocks at Danster's Vontein – Eckron's – near the Stormberg, 22nd May 1868. G.W.S" [Two joined halves.] Verso : "No 11", "Two sets of dancers"Description in published source : STERKSTROOM DISTRICT
To the north-west of Queenstown the country gradually rises till it reaches the height of 5600 feet in the Stormberg Range, which was inhabitated by Bushmen at the beginning of the nineteenth century. In the lower parts of the range are many kloofs and caves with paintings.) "PLATE 16
LOCALITY.- Rocks as Danster’s Fontein-Eckrons-near Stormberg.
SITE.- Not found. Both names marked on the picture are obsolete.
EXPLANATION.- Stow wrote, 'Kudu and Elands- Fanciful figure dressed with crane feathers- Dance of women and men- Circular dance- Putting to death by torture.'
A Bushman gave the following explanation: ‘Figure in left-hand corner zebra. People below cook lion’s pot. The pot breaks and flows over the people. They are killed. Forked things are soup brushes with which to dip up the fat and eat it. The things at the back of women’s bands are playthings.'
Stow tells in his book of a dance of women round a male leader, which might be called the dance of acrobats, as the dancers moved in a circle, writhing. twining, and twisting their bodies in whatever droll attitude their fancy suggested. The dancers here are wearing sheepskins, a late development.
Dimensions: 23 1/2 x 37 inches.
The colours are brown, red-brown, yellow, white and grey. The middle cloud is in red-brown, white and grey; the other four in yellow, white and grey. The bottom right-hand group of humans is in red-brown; the other groups are in shades of brown. The zebra is in brown, red-brown and grey." (Bleek) Published : "Rock Paintings in SA" plate 16Locality : Danster's Vontein, Stormberg;